The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement (FNM) leader Michael Pintard said the party will continue its political activities throughout the Lenten season, declining to follow its opponent’s pause while pledging to campaign in a way he says honours the spiritual observance.

Mr Pintard made the comment as he announced plans to roll out the FNM’s manifesto in less than 40 days.

The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) on Monday launched its national election campaign, but has suspended public political events in observance of Lent, which began yesterday.

Party officials said they will use the period to intensify canvassing across constituencies to build support, with the full campaign expected to begin immediately after Easter.

The move followed a public debate over the appropriateness of beginning a national campaign on the eve of the 40-day period of Christian reflection leading up to Easter.

Religous leaders have been divided over the timing of such events, with some seeing no conflict and others warning that it could overshadow sacred season.

Asked whether his party feared backlash, Mr Pintard said he was not concerned, noting that the FNM had consulted “at the highest level” with religious denominations that observe Lent.

“We are people of faith,” the opposition leader said. “We're a party and while we respect the fact that this is both secular and spiritual, we do have a serious commitment to obey some of the culture, but really the spiritual cultural norms in the country, and so we are going to govern ourselves in a way that does not disrespect that.”

Mr Pintard said the party remains energised about upcoming events, including the release of its policy framework if elected to office.

He said the document will tackle key national concerns, including the cost of living, rising electricity bills, food security, immigration and crime.

“We believe we are ready,” he said, responding to talk of an early election. “And so whenever they bring it, we’’ll have boots on the ground in every constituency appealing to the Bahamian people who we love dearly, and again, taking their case nationally in terms of what we must do as a country in order to reduce the suffering that Bahamians are experiencing.”

The Free National Movement has ratified candidates for all constituencies except MICAL, where it is awaiting the nominee’s formal departure from the public service to avoid jeopardising his ability to secure pension benefits.

Yesterday, Mr  Pintard described the prospective candidate as an exciting choice who is well known in the constituency and was urged by residents to run.

“This government’s attempt to intimidate him, to threaten his pension, etc, it will not work,” he said. “He will be absolutely fine and the next member of parliament for MICAL.”